Roy Returns to Rovers as Liverpool face Blackburn

Liverpool will continue the New Year eager to improve their dismal away form, as they face a tricky trip to Ewood Park to play Blackburn.

Roy Hodgson’s men have lost four of their last six away fixtures, winning just once – a 1-0 victory over Bolton. After an unexpected loss at home to Wolves at the end of December, Roy’s Reds picked up three valuable points on New Year’s Day, also against Wanderers.

Under-pressure Hodgson will be well aware of his sides future fixtures as well; Sunday will see his side face an important FA Cup 3rd round clash with rivals Manchester United, which will be followed by a rearranged league fixture away to Blackpool, before a home tie against rivals Everton the following Sunday.

With a crucial cup match just days away, he may rest a handful of stars for his trip to Lancashire, to face the club he managed in the late 90’s. Raul Meireles will be one of those players unlikely to make the trip, after limping off injured at the weekend. Captain Steven Gerrard, who replaced Meireles in the win, will likely start the match as his replacement. Odds for Steven Gerrard to score and Liverpool to win are currently at 4/1.

New Blackburn manager Steve Kean said his side did not play badly despite a 3-0 loss at the weekend to Sunderland: “We are very confident we will not be drawn into the relegation battle” Kean said, after the defeat. “We have had a good response from the lads despite the defeat. We have been positive, we have gone out and tried to play and we are confident that we will be looking up in the games to come.”

The rumour mill has been turning with stories of David Beckham and Ronaldinho all an interest of the new Rovers board, looking to strengthen a squad suitable of a top-four Premier League finish.

Rovers captain Christopher Samba is back to full fitness after an ankle knock ruled him out for three matches, but nine players are absent either through injury, suspension or international duty. One of those players missing through injury is former England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who has a calf strain, so Mark Bunn will continue between the sticks; he is 3/1 to keep a clean sheet.

Bet Highlight

As Liverpool have more crucial matches coming up, and have only scored six goals in ten Premier League matches away from Anfield, a home victory may favour a few – 9/4 isn’t the best price for a win, but 1-0 is a neat 9/1 on both Blue Square and Bet365. 

Premier League 09/10:
Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn

Premier League 10/11:
Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn